Oh my god! I am in so much pain! Really wasn't the brightest idea I've had to start off my hiking experience with I quote 'challenging 18km hike' but it was the Tongariro Crossing where Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings is located so it was worth it, and I did make it in the end after taking it at my own pace. I very early told Jo to go on ahead as she wanted to tackle Mt Doom summit as well, and it was very clear early on that there was no way I'd be doing that! I...

Just a quick one! Have arrived in Tokaanu and about to meet up with Jo and her campervan. Will be non-stop over next few days.... whitewater rafting this afternoon and heading off at 6am in the morning to do Tongariro Crossing the 8 hour hike which I'm kinda dreading right now! Last night I went to the Mitai Experience, an evening of Maori culture which was great! Dancing, songs, warrior customs and food were all amazing! The one stupid thing I did yesterday ...

I survived!! Yes I did it and it was AMAZING! If you are ever in New Zealand, you have to do Black Water Rafting, it's so much fun! Started off by abseilling 27m down into the cave then spent around 2 whole hours doing a mix of caving and tubing, with and without lights... it's awesome. Worse thing is that the water gets pretty deep at times, which would be fine until I discovered that there were heaps of eels in the water and I am NOT joking! I hate eels but jus...

It's the beginning! Headed off on my backpacking adventure this morning bright and early at 8am. I am now at the Waitomo Caves and in under 2 hours I'll be abseilling down into caves riding the rapids down there and then rock climbing out of there... I must be mad! I just hope I survive to tell the tale tomorrow. lol I already made the stupid decision to walk to Waitomo Village in search of food and internet only to realise it was actually about a 7km walk..... l...

Happy New Year everyone!! Well I made it to New Plymouth yesterday morning ready to fall into a nice comfy bed.... 7 hours hanging around in an airport does nothing for the bags under my eyes. :( However, after a few hours rest was ready to hit New Plymouth with Jo and went for lunch, saw some rock sculpturing and even went for a walk around Pukekura Park where parts of the Last Samuri were filmed..... very pretty! Then it was time to get ready for the big chan...